4 Nature-Loving Days in North Iceland

After admiring the cute heart-shaped stoplights in the city, head to the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, these gardens showcase many of the hardy plants that grow in Arctic regions, as well as flowers, shrubs and trees from other parts of the world. The gardens are a beautifully designed, peaceful, and educational spot to spend an afternoon, with ocean view from the top of the hill. You can also grab a meal, snack, or cup of hot tea at the charming cafe located in the gardens--or, if you're looking for a drink, don't miss their botanical cocktails made with Icelandic pink gin.

For dinner, head to Hafnarstraeti for a wide selection of restaurants and bars. You'll find something that suits you, but don't skip the Pylsuvagninn hot dog stand; you can't go to Iceland without having a hot dog, and most places have veg-friendly options. At Pylsuvagninn, I recommend the veggie dog with baked beans!

There are walking and hiking paths all around Akureyri, all of which have their own charms. My favorite place to hike, though, is about half an hour away from the city, through the Vadlaheidi Tunnel, in the Vaglaskogur forest. With several hiking trails to choose from, Vaglaskogur is Iceland's largest birch forest. You may want to take a picnic along and enjoy eating in the silence!

After a day spent hiking, stop by the Forest Lagoon on the outskirts of Akureyri. The Forest Lagoon has two hot pools, a cold plunge pool, a Finnish sauna and a swim-up bar. Iceland is known for its hot springs and pools, but Forest Lagoon is unique in that it sits on a forested mountain, with trees surrounding (and even inside) the pools. It's the most relaxing way to soak your sore muscles after a long day of hiking. You can finish off your night with dinner in the Skogur Bistro onsite.

Husavik, about an hour's drive from Akureyri, is a world-renowned destination for whale-watching. Several reputable companies offer eco-friendly whale-watching boat rides, and you're likely to see humpback whales, minke whales, and others. Be sure to arrive early for your whale-watching trip so that you can spend some time in the Whale Museum. Located right by the harbor, the museum features eight exhibits that will deepen your understanding of whales and the changing arctic world they inhabit.

Before you leave Husavik, swing by the Eurovision Exhibition. The exhibition is dedicated to the film Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga, which was filmed in Husavik--as well as to the Eurovision song contest as a whole. You can enjoy the exhibits, leave an offering for the elves at the elf house outside, and have some Eurovision-themed cocktails--like "The Elves' Potion" or "Lion of Love"--at the Ja Ja Ding Dong bar at the entrance of the exhibition.

After a hearty brunch at Akureyri Backpackers (a hip hostel in the center of town that boasts a rowdy restaurant and bar), head east on the Ring Road into waterfall country. One of Iceland's most famous and spectacular waterfalls is located just half an hour from Akureyri: Godafoss, or the Waterfall of the Gods. Godafoss is 100 feet wide, one of the larger waterfalls in Iceland, and can be reached via a short walking path.

Godafoss is part of North Iceland's Diamond Circle, so if you want to spend the day driving to other spectacular sites, you could visit Lake Myvatn's surreal landscapes or other Diamond Circle stops. Just be sure to check your maps, weather forecasts, and road closures when you're plotting your course for the day. The weather in North Iceland can change quickly, so make sure you are prepared and planning ahead!